June 1

"Both young men and maidens, old men and children, let them praise the name of the Lord."—Ps. calviii. 12.

THE old are apt to err by over-cautiousness and excessive prudence. As the years go on, their first enthusiasms decline, and their first love grows cold. They are wary and careful to a degree. Yet, if this is their characteristic shortcoming and fault, they have the wisdom of experience too. The revolution of seasons, when they have had the hearing ear and the understanding heart, has taught them many priceless lessons. It is always worth while listening to a veteran disciple of Jesus Christ.

The young, on the other side, are apt to err by rashness and undue daring. They do not reflect enough. They do not sufficiently count the cost. They do not look before and after. Often they are not very willing to hearken to advice. Yet they have the glowing heart, the fire of passionateness, the zeal, the bravery. Theirs is the courage that scorns the consequence. Theirs is the soul which girds itself for the fulfilment of great undertakings. Theirs is the passion to spend and be spent for Prince Emmanuel.

Surely he is the best Christian who combines the thoughtfulness of the old with the boldness of the young; who has the skill to calculate and plan, and yet the decision and abandon to venture and achieve and win. Unite these diverse and complementary qualities within my heart, my Lord. Make me a full and many-sided and perfect man in Christ Jesus. My times are in Thy hand; "let age approve of youth, and death complete the same."